December Commencement

Other Important Dates

May Commencement

Saturday, May 13, 2017

FAQ

What’s the difference between the campuswide commencement and department graduations?

Commencement, the campuswide ceremony for all graduating seniors from all majors and their families, includes the Chancellor's address, keynote address, and most of the traditional pomp and circumstance. Departmental graduations occur separately within their discipline and are more personal, with each graduate walking across stage to receive a commemorative certificate. Some departmental graduations require tickets; others do not. Contact your department for the most up-to-date info on its graduation ceremony. Department graduations occur during the spring semester only. You can find more details and contact information on the departmental graduations page.

How long does the commencement ceremony last?

Commencement will last approximately 2.5 hours.

How do I get tickets?

All graduates must have tickets for themselves and their guests. Graduate tickets will be available UNTIL DECEMBER 9. Tickets are $10 for guests and complimentary for graduates, who can purchase up to 15 guest tickets. Register to purchase yours! If guest tickets are still available on the day of commencement, they will be sold in front of Haas Pavilion. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Please note that all sales are FINAL and there are no refunds. No exceptions.

How do I get my name listed in the program?

Register for commencement before November 21 to get your name printed in the program.

How do I get there?

Haas Pavilion is on Bancroft Way between Ellsworth and Dana Streets. Reserved parking is not available for commencement. Some spots may be available on campus but are not guaranteed. We encourage you to take public transportation. If you choose to drive, please consult the campus map for directions. You may park in surrounding city and private lots on a first-come, first-served basis, but charges and hours vary

Where do I park?

Reserved parking is not available for commencement. Some spots may be available on campus but are not guaranteed. If you choose to drive, please consult the campus map for directions. Parking is available in the campus parking lots on a first-come, first-served basis. You may also park in the surrounding city parking lots. Rates and hours vary. Please consult the campus Parking and Transportation website for more details.

What sort of ADA accommodations are available?

ADA seats are located at sections 9, 13, 19 and 22, and are first come, first served. Other guests in your party are welcome to sit in the bleacher seats behind the reserved ADA area. We can only ensure one companion seat per disabled guest, but we will do our best to seat your entire party together.

We recommend that you drop off guests who need mobility assistance at the intersection of Bancroft Way and Dana Street. From there, it is a short walk to the entrance of Haas Pavilion. There is a ramp located at Gate 1 that will be labeled "Special Accommodations." Please enter using these doors and you will be directed to the elevators to reach the ADA seating areas.

Alternatively, if your guests cannot walk and need immediate elevator access, you can drop them off at Gate 7, which is accessible via Frank Schlessinger Way. The elevator is located right behind Gate 7. Please note that this is not the main front entrance to Haas Pavilion.

ADA parking can be found in designated spots on the street, or in campus and public lots. Information can be found on the Parking and Transportation website.

Will there be a photographer?

GradImages will photograph each graduate, with photographs available for purchase after the ceremony.

Will my name be read at the ceremony?

Yes, at winter commencement. Make sure you fill out a name card so that your name can be read aloud (and correctly!) at the podium. Names will not be read from the printed program.

Will I receive my diploma at the ceremony?

No. Attending commencement does not necessarily mean that you have actually graduated. Some students attend the ceremony for celebratory reasons only, even though they may not finish all of their degree requirements until a later semester. In addition, all undergraduate diplomas will be mailed approximately three-and-a-half months after the ceremony. Visit the registrar’s office for more information.